Integrated Bluetooth FM Single Chip Time-Multiplexed Synthesizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Integrating multiple audio communication technologies like Bluetooth and FM into a single device is costly and poses design challenges due to coexistence problems and increased power consumption, requiring sophisticated power management to minimize battery usage.

Innovation Solution

A single chip with integrated Bluetooth and FM radios that supports multiple interfaces, utilizing a programmable synthesizer for time-multiplexed processing and frequency conversion to enable simultaneous Bluetooth and FM audio capabilities, reducing power consumption by disabling unnecessary components during FM-only mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio communication technologies (Bluetooth and FM radios) are integrated into a single device, then audio communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio communication versatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines Bluetooth and FM radio functionalities into a single integrated device, merging multiple audio communication technologies to provide versatile audio communication capabilities while managing the complexity through unified hardware architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform multiple audio communication functions (Bluetooth transmission, FM reception, FM transmission) within a single platform, making it a universal audio communication device that replaces multiple separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple audio communication technologies are integrated into a single device, then audio communication versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaudio communication versatilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By merging Bluetooth and FM radio functionalities into a single integrated device with shared hardware components, the patent reduces the total number of separate devices needed, thereby lowering overall manufacturing costs despite the increased complexity of the integrated unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If simultaneous use of multiple radios (cellular, Bluetooth, WLAN) is enabled, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the synthesizer alternates between generating Bluetooth carrier frequencies and FM carrier frequencies in periodic time slots, enabling both communication modes to share the same hardware resource efficiently and reducing overall power consumption compared to simultaneous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (Bluetooth-only, FM-only, or time-multiplexed dual mode) based on communication needs, allowing the device to adapt its power consumption level to the actual usage scenario

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Use of energy by moving object

If time-division multiplexing is used for Bluetooth and FM communication, then power consumption is reduced, but communication speed may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidcommunication speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The synthesizer operates in periodic time-division multiplexed mode, switching between Bluetooth and FM carrier frequency generation in alternating time slots, which reduces power consumption by keeping the synthesizer active only when needed for each communication mode rather than running continuously for both

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution allows for versatile, cost-effective audio communication without the need for multiple devices, reducing power consumption and operational overhead, thereby enhancing battery life and simplifying device design.

Implementation Method 1

A programmable synthesizer may be utilized to generate a Bluetooth carrier frequency signal and an FM carrier frequency signal, for example, through time-division multiplexing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-division multiplexing:

Implementation Method 2

Bluetooth data may be received by down-converting a second RF signal with a carrier frequency that is generated by the programmable synthesizer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS8064949B2Method and system for bluetooth and FM radio communication

Publication Date: 2011.11.22 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Frequency conversion methods and systems for Bluetooth and FM radio communication are provided. FM data may be received and/or transmitted via the FM radio and Bluetooth data may be received and/or transmitted via the Bluetooth radio. With an integration of frequency conversion for Bluetooth and FM, both systems can operate from a single frequency source, thereby reducing part count and power consumption. Communication between Bluetooth and FM channels may be enabled via a single chip.